If you’re looking for Zoom hacks to make social distancing more fun, you’re not alone. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, Zoom has quickly become the go-to app for socially minded folks who still want to connect. And it’s catching on fast. Over the past few weeks, I’ve participated in Zoom workouts, happy hours, game nights and bible studies… Many with friends and family from all over the world.

To get started, you first need to set up a Zoom account. Like many apps, you’ll have the option to choose between a free plan and a premium plan. The free plan allows you run 45 minute meetings. And if you need more time than that, you’ll have to pay for it. Regardless of the plan you choose, Zoom offers some cool features you can apply immediately.

7 Little-Known Zoom Hacks

If you decide to use Zoom for your next virtual soiree, here are seven little known Zoom hacks that will change your life… Okay, maybe these hacks won’t change your life. But they might prompt at least one of your friends to ask: “How did you do that?” And in the age of social-distancing, it’s the little things that make a big difference.

1. Change Your Zoom Background: The other morning I logged into my Zoom group workout (that’s a thing) and our coach started laughing because I choose a post apocalyptic background. Can you imagine someone doing a dozen burpees in a virtual inferno? You can now, because burpees are hell. So try a different background each time you log in.

2. Use the Annotation Tool: Zoom has built in annotation tools that allow you to write on the screen. They also have a white board feature. I’m sure the original intent was business related. But depending on your level of creativity (and the amount of booze you consume) you could draw pictures, play games or scribble all over your screen and call it art?

3. Share Your Screen: The other night my friend told me about a funny tweet. Normally he would have to text me a link, and then await my response. But since we were both on Zoom, he was able to share his screen. This allowed for some real time commentary, and kept the conversation energetic. What sorts of weird stuff could you share?

4. Use Gallery View: This isn’t much of a hack. But if you log in to Zoom and choose Gallery View, you’ll feel like you’re in the opening credits of the Brady Bunch TV show. (If you don’t get that reference, Google it.) Just know that this view allows you to see dozens of talking heads all at once. It’s a little weird to get used to, but then again so is every aspect of virtual meet ups.

5. Create A Transcript: Wait? What? Is your next Zoom meeting being recorded? That is an option. And you can then take that recording and leverage Zoom to automatically transcribe the audio into text. And if you really want to get fancy, Zoom also gives you the option to put the transcript text into the finished video, sort of like closed captions.

6. Visit Breakout Rooms: Imagine you’re at a real life dinner party. Not everyone hangs in the same room. Some people are in the kitchen. Some people are in the living room. And some people are outside. You can sort of create a similar experience with Zoom’s virtual breakout rooms. This allows you the opportunity to split away from the crowd to have smaller conversations.

7. Improve Your Image: Unless you’re some sort of super model, I can’t think of too many people who look good on a webcam. Add poor lighting, a really boring background, and the fact I haven’t shaved in a week, and you’ll see what I mean. If this also describes you, make sure to use Zoom’s “​​Touch Up My Appearance” option. It will help make you look more human.

Since we are going to be in social distance mode for the foreseeable future, employing some of these Zoom hacks may make your time more enjoyable. And with the weekend on the way,  I recommend you to test Zoom for your next virtual happy hour, poker night or dinner party.